The trial of the Senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye, and two others in the case of alleged illegal possession of firearms began yesterday at a Senior Magistrate Court in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Senator Melaye, as well as the two prime suspects, Kabiru Seidu and Nuhu Salihu, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned.
The suspects, who had claimed to be political thugs of the Senator, had also implicated him in the allegations of criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms and illegal arms dealing levelled against them by the police.
During their arraignment in court yesterday, the suspects and Senator Melaye declared that the allegations against them were false and that they were not guilty when their pleas were taken.
Earlier, the prosecution, led by Dr Alex Izinyon, told the court that the offences were contrary to section 97(1) of the Penalty Code and section 27(1)(a) (1) of the firearms Act CAP P28, laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.
When the charges were read afresh to the defendants, Melaye, Seidu and Salihu, pleaded not guilty as they said the seven charges were all false.
Mr Yemi Mohammed, who held brief for Mr Mike Ozekhome – counsel for Melaye, objected to the application, saying that the case was a criminal one in which witnesses must give their testimonies in the open court.
He stressed that the ‘front-loading’ system which the prosecution was urging the court to adopt amounted to a shortcut that would be prejudicial to his client and reduce the chances of the public getting to know the truth.
In his ruling, the Senior Magistrate, Mr Sulyman Abdullah held that while he would “wholeheartedly” want trials in his court to be concluded speedily, he would have to look at the rules of the court.
He consequently adjourned till July 26 for the commencement of hearing of the case.
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